The Manchester United player’s mural is displayed outside Old Trafford stadium, Manchester, England on September 9, 2021. /CFP
The Manchester United player’s mural is displayed outside Old Trafford stadium, Manchester, England on September 9, 2021. /CFP
The threat of mass postponements facing sporting events around the world intensified on Monday with the English Premier League and the American NFL and NBA among the main competitions affected by the new variant of the Omicron coronavirus.
In its latest report, the Premier League announced 42 new positive cases of COVID-19 among club players and staff over the past week, marking the highest figure recorded over a seven-day period since the start of the release of test results in May last year.
Manchester United, Tottenham, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Brighton and Norwich all have confirmed cases of coronavirus. The Premier League have no choice but to postpone United’s away game at Brentford on Tuesday night after the Red Devils were forced to shut down first-team operations at their Carrington training complex in due to a massive epidemic.
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (C) in action during their Premier League clash with Norwich City at Carrow Road in Norwich, England on December 11, 2021. /CFP
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (C) in action during their Premier League clash with Norwich City at Carrow Road in Norwich, England on December 11, 2021. /CFP
A statement from United on Monday evening read: “Given the cancellation of training and the disruption to the squad, and the health of players and staff being the priority, the Club have requested that the game be rearranged.
“The Premier League board has taken the decision to postpone based on the advice of medical advisers. Manchester United regret the inconvenience caused to Brentford FC and the fans of both clubs by COVID-19.”
Tottenham have already had their games against Rennes and Brighton postponed due to an outbreak of the virus in their squad, while in the league, Sheffield United’s game against QPR on Monday has also been called off.
Premier League clubs fear the rapid spread of the Omicron variant could force mass postponements, which would be a huge problem for organisers, especially ahead of the crowded Christmas schedule.
Arizona Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins (R) carries the ball as Los Angeles Rams’ Darious Williams defends during the first quarter of their NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, United States, December 13, 2021. / CFP
Arizona Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins (R) carries the ball as Los Angeles Rams’ Darious Williams defends during the first quarter of their NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, United States, December 13, 2021. / CFP
Elsewhere, the NFL also fell victim to COVID-19 as it reported 37 positive tests leaguewide on Monday, the most in one day since the pandemic began.
According to ESPN, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Tyler Higbee were among dozens of players who returned positive test results, ruling them out of Monday’s crucial game against the Arizona Cardinals. .
Other players who have tested positive include Miami Dolphins running back Phillip Lindsay, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cedrick Wilson and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Josh Gordon.
Under NFL rules, unvaccinated people who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for 10 days away from club facilities. Fully vaccinated individuals can return to team facilities once they have received two consecutive negative PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart and have been asymptomatic for 48 hours.
Zach LaVine of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls dribbles down the court against the Miami Heat at the FTX Arena in Florida, U.S. on Dec. 11, 2021. /CFP
Zach LaVine of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls dribbles down the court against the Miami Heat at the FTX Arena in Florida, U.S. on Dec. 11, 2021. /CFP
Meanwhile, in the NBA, it was confirmed on Monday that the Chicago Bulls’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday and Thursday’s matchup with the Toronto Raptors had both been canceled due to COVID-19.
The league said in a statement that 10 Bulls players are currently unavailable after entering COVID-19 health and safety protocols, while “additional staff members” are also unavailable.
Last season the NBA postponed 31 games due to coronavirus, but Monday’s decision marks the first time games have been canceled this campaign.